Notable Alumni of Kansas Basketball: A Legacy of Excellence
The University of Kansas Jayhawks men's basketball program stands as a beacon of tradition and success in the landscape of college basketball. Classified within the NCAA's Division I and competing in the Big 12 Conference, Kansas boasts a program renowned for its prestige and historic significance. From the invention of the sport by James Naismith to a multitude of conference titles and NCAA tournament appearances, the Jayhawks have consistently produced exceptional talent that has left an indelible mark on the sport. This article explores some of the most notable alumni who have donned the Kansas jersey and significantly contributed to the program's rich history.
Early Pioneers: Laying the Foundation
The early years of Kansas basketball saw the emergence of several key figures who helped establish the program's winning tradition.
Paul Endacott
A hometown hero from Lawrence, Paul Endacott was instrumental in the Jayhawks' national championship wins in 1922 and 1923 under the guidance of legendary coach Phog Allen. A versatile athlete, Endacott earned two-time consensus All-American honors and was recognized as the Helms Player of the Year in 1923.
Charlie T. Black
Playing alongside Endacott in the backcourt, Charlie T. Black was another crucial component of the back-to-back national championship teams. He, too, was a two-time All-American and received the Helms Foundation's National Player of the Year award in 1924. His No. 1 jersey is retired, a testament to his lasting impact.
"Tus" Ackerman
At 6-foot-3, "Tus" Ackerman served as the "big man" for Allen's successful teams of the early 1920s. Over his three seasons at Kansas, Ackerman averaged 9.2 points per game, with a career-high of 10.2 in 1924-25. He was a two-time All-American in 1924 and 1925, also recognized by the Helms Foundation. His jersey (No. 33) is retired.
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"Skinny" Johnson
As the program moved into the 1930s, "Skinny" Johnson stood out. Standing at 6-foot-4, he was a prominent figure during his time with the Jayhawks.
Howard Engleman
As the 1940s arrived, Kansas reached the national championship game in 1940, finishing as runner-up to Indiana. Howard Engleman, a three-time All-Big Six selection, was a star on that team, scoring 39 points in three tournament games. He excelled even more in his final season of 1940-41.
Charles B. Black
After attending Wisconsin, Charles B. Black enrolled at Kansas, where his basketball career was interrupted by military service during World War II. He eventually returned to Kansas and continued his basketball career.
The Superstars Emerge: Defining an Era
The mid-20th century witnessed the rise of iconic figures who elevated Kansas basketball to new heights.
Clyde Lovellette
Many consider Clyde Lovellette to be Kansas' first great basketball superstar. He led Kansas to its first NCAA national championship in 1952 and was named Most Outstanding Player after scoring a then-record 141 tournament points. Playing alongside future legendary North Carolina coach Dean Smith at Kansas, Lovellette ranks fourth in school history with 1,979 points and is among the all-time leaders in scoring average (24.7). The Helms National Player of the Year in 1952, and a two-time consensus All-American, also averaged more than 13 rebounds during his career. In 1952, the Jayhawks won the national title with an 80-63 victory in the final game over St. John's. Lovellette is still the only player to lead the nation in scoring and lead his team to a national title in the same year. This tournament was the first to have a true "Final Four" format.
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Wilt Chamberlain
Wilt "The Stilt" Chamberlain is undeniably one of the greatest players in basketball history. In his two seasons with the Jayhawks, he amassed 1,433 points and 877 rebounds in just 48 games. He holds three of the five highest-scoring game records in Kansas history, including a school-record 52 points against Northwestern during the 1956-57 season. In his first varsity game, Chamberlain scored 52 points and grabbed 31 rebounds, breaking both all-time college records in an 87-69 win against Northwestern. In 1957, he led the Jayhawks to the championship game against North Carolina.
Jo Jo White
Jo Jo White, one of the most beloved players in Kansas history, averaged 15.3 points and nearly five rebounds over four seasons. He was a respected leader known for his dedication and attitude. White earned consensus second-team All-American honors in both 1968 and 1969. His No. 15 jersey was retired at Kansas.
Dave Robisch
At 6-foot-10, Dave Robisch had a dominant presence for the Jayhawks. He averaged 21.1 points and 9.8 rebounds in his three seasons at Kansas. He was a first-team All-Big Eight selection each year and the league's player of the year in 1970 (26.5 points and 12.1 rebounds per game) and 1971 (19.2 points and 10.1 rebounds). Robisch's No. 33 jersey is retired.
Modern Marvels: Building a Dynasty
The late 20th and early 21st centuries saw Kansas solidify its status as a perennial national powerhouse, thanks to a new wave of exceptional talent.
Darnell Valentine
The 1980s marked the beginning of Kansas' reign as a national power, and Darnell Valentine played a crucial role in laying the foundation. A first-team All-Big Eight selection in all four of his seasons, Valentine holds the school record for made free throws (541) and steals (336).
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Danny Manning
Many consider Danny Manning to be the best player ever to wear a Kansas uniform. The school's all-time leader in points (2,951) and rebounds (1,187), Manning started all but one of his 147 games for the Jayhawks. He averaged 20.1 points, 8.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.7 steals, and 1.4 blocks during his four seasons and led the "Danny and the Miracles" team to the 1988 national title.
Raef LaFrentz
Kansas is renowned for producing exceptional big men, and Raef LaFrentz is a prime example. He ranks third in school history in points (2,066) and second in rebounds (1,186). Averaging 15.8 points and 9.1 rebounds, he started all 131 games he played for the Jayhawks. He was a two-time Big 12 Player of the Year and consensus first-team All-American.
Paul Pierce
Paul Pierce established the foundation for his successful NBA career through consistent improvement during his three seasons at Kansas. Playing alongside Raef LaFrentz, Pierce averaged 16.4 points (48.1 percent shooting), 6.3 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.4 steals. His 1,768 points rank 10th in school history.
Drew Gooden
Drew Gooden worked his way to becoming one of the elite players in Kansas history. After being a key reserve as a freshman, Gooden averaged 10.6 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.1 assists. By his junior year, he earned Big 12 Player of the Year and consensus first-team All-American honors, averaging 19.8 points and 11.4 rebounds.
Nick Collison
Starring alongside Drew Gooden and Kirk Hinrich, Nick Collison was a fantastic all-around player for the Jayhawks. He ranks second in school history in points (2,097), second in made field goals (858), third in rebounds (1,143), and fourth in blocked shots (243).
Wayne Simien
Wayne Simien won 110 games during his four seasons at Kansas and was a member of the 2003 national runner-up team. He averaged 15 points (55.8 percent shooting) and 8.3 rebounds for the Jayhawks, with his 884 career boards ranking seventh in school history.
Mario Chalmers
While Mario Chalmers ranks among the school's top 10 in career points (1,888) and assists (552), was a two-time first-team All-Big 12 selection (2009, '10), and consensus first-team All-American in 2010, he is best known for his performance in Kansas' overtime victory against Memphis in the 2008 national championship game. He had 11 points, hit a key 3-pointer, and made an important steal during the Jayhawks' late second-half rally. He also delivered one of his six assists on the game-tying three-pointer that forced overtime.
Sherron Collins
As a junior in 2008-09, Sherron Collins averaged a team-high 18.9 points.
Frank Mason III
Frank Mason III was a special player for the Jayhawks. He started all 110 games in his final three seasons at Kansas, where he ranks sixth in school history with 1,885 points. As a senior in 2016-17, Mason became the first player in school history to average at least 20 points (20.9) and five assists (5.2), earning him Big 12 Player of the Year and national player of the year honors.
Devonte' Graham
Devonte' Graham is considered one of the best all-around players in Kansas history. The Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year in 2016 and the league's player of the year two years later, Graham ranks among the school's top-15 scorers with 1,750 career points (12.3 points per game) and is second with 296 made 3-pointers.
Recent Standouts: Continuing the Tradition
In recent years, Kansas has continued to produce exceptional players who have made significant contributions to the program.
Dedric Lawson
Dedric Lawson played for Kansas for one season after transferring from Memphis and had his best college season, averaging 19.4 points, 10.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game, while shooting 39 percent from three and 51 percent inside the arc. Lawson had the highest offensive rating on the team, 114.4, and was named a Third Team All-American and First Team All-Big 12 selection.
Perry Ellis
Perry Ellis was a mainstay for Kansas throughout the 2010s. While posting a team-high 27.3 shot rate, he remained efficient, making 43 percent of his threes, 54 percent of his twos, and almost 80 percent of his free throws, leading to his posting the country's 121st-best offensive rating of 120.1.
Ben McLemore
After redshirting during the 2011-12 season, Ben McLemore proved to be worth the wait, earning First Team All-Big 12 selection and Second Team All-American honors.
Andrew Wiggins
Andrew Wiggins was one of the most-hyped freshmen of the 2010s, and he performed admirably in his lone season at Kansas. His offensive efficiency stayed above average (112.3 offensive rating) while serving as the team's primary scoring option.
Thomas Robinson
Thomas Robinson averaged 17.7 points, 11.9 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.1 steals per game in 2012, starting every game for the 32-7 Jayhawks. Robinson led the country in defensive rebound percentage (30.5%), drew nearly six fouls per 40 minutes, and shot 50 percent from the field.
Coaches Who Became Notable Coaches
Former players that have gone on to be coaches include Phog Allen, Adolph Rupp, Dean Smith, Dutch Lonborg, and former assistants to go on to be notable coaches include John Calipari, Gregg Popovich, and Bill Self. Mark Turgeon, Jerod Haase, Danny Manning, and Tad Boyle are all former players and assistant coaches that became head coaches. Allen founded the National Association of Basketball Coaches and, with Lonborg, was an early proponent of the NCAA tournament. Four different Jayhawk head coaches are in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as coaches, Phog Allen, Larry Brown, Roy Williams, and current head coach Bill Self.
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